Do you know what NASCAR is? Do you thrill to the sight of cars screeching their way around a track at breakneck speed? If you answered yes, then you’ve probably heard about Daytona Beach.
This city is known as the birthplace of NASCAR and is in Volusia County in Florida. It’s the home of the Daytona International Speedway and the beaches aren’t bad either!
Whether you’re a race fan or if you just love to spend your holidays stretched out on sandy beaches, Daytona Beach is a great city to visit during your holiday. It’s laidback and relaxed, offers amazing beach activities, great cultural events, and tasty food.
And when you visit, you’ll also find great Daytona Beach accommodation options at every price point.
This city isn’t on everyone’s travel wish list, so you might have trouble finding the best places in Daytona Beach to stay. But you can tick that worry off your list with this Daytona Beach neighborhood guide, where you’ll not only learn the best areas but the best lodgings in those areas as well.
- Where to Stay in Daytona Beach
- Daytona Beach Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Daytona Beach
- 4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Daytona Beach
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Daytona Beach
- What To Pack For Daytona Beach
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Daytona Beach
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Daytona Beach
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Daytona is one of Florida’s best towns for a vacation. Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Daytona Beach.
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Adorable 1 Bedroom Apartment | Best Airbnb in Daytona Beach
Centrally located, this apartment is ideal for a couple or a single traveler. It has a private bathroom and has been recently renovated to include all new furnishings and fixtures.
With complimentary Wi-Fi and a fully equipped kitchen, it makes a great hideaway in the center of the city.
Quality Inn Daytona Speedway – I-95 | Best Hotel in Daytona Beach
If you want to be close to the speedway, then this hotel is in the best neighborhood in Daytona Beach to stay in. It’s just a short walk from the races and offers free Wi-Fi and rooms that contain a fridge and all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
There are also restaurants and cafes nearby so you can grab a meal or snack at any time.
Plaza Resort and Spa | Best Luxury Hotel in Daytona Beach
This luxury hotel offers a stately, elegant feel that is nonetheless comfortable and welcoming. It offers a range of room sizes, which makes it a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Daytona Beach for families.
It also has a private beach, rooftop terrace, sauna, fitness center, and an outdoor pool. And there are other facilities as well, like the golf course and BBQ and picnic area.
Daytona Beach Shores
Daytona Beach Shores is less than ten minutes’ drive from the center of Daytona Beach and offers a more peaceful atmosphere. If you want to stay away from all the tourists but still be close to everything.
New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is the best area in Daytona Beach to stay in if you love the beach. It’s a surf town with beaches that are even better than the ones you’ll find in Daytona Beach.
Downtown
Downtown is the best area in Daytona Beach to stay in if you want to be close to everything. It balances a nice mix of business and culture and is well connected to other parts of the city via buses and taxis.
Daytona Beach
This is an obvious one. If you’re traveling to Daytona Beach, then you obviously want to see on the main beach. So, why not stay there?
Most of the best areas to stay in Daytona Beach are clustered around the shore. This allows travelers to enjoy the city’s amazing mix of high-octane fun, beach activities, and perfect relaxation.
No matter what type of traveler you are, you’ll find something to occupy yourself in this city. And best of all, the neighborhoods are well-connected thanks to the bus services and to the Votran, a series of trolleys that run through certain areas.
When you’re trying to decide where to stay in Daytona Beach for your first time, then Daytona Beach Shores is a good choice. This is close to the city center but far enough away that you won’t have to contend with the crowds in the main area.
New Smyrna Beach is even quieter and yet it’s a better beach with famous surfing conditions. This is a charming little area with shops and restaurants that are usually quieter and a little cheaper while still offering the same great eats.
The Downtown area is ideal when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Daytona Beach with kids. There’s always something to do and see in this part of the city and the close proximity to the beach offers the best of urban and seaside living.
And the final area to look at is Daytona Beach itself. This is often crowded and busy, but there’s always something going on for active types who love being in the center of all the noise and excitement.
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4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Daytona Beach
Whether you’re looking for a chic Florida Airbnb or hostel in Daytona Beach, here are the neighborhoods you should be looking at.
#1 Daytona Beach Shores – Where to Stay in Daytona Beach First Time
Daytona Beach Shores is less than ten minutes’ drive from the center of Daytona Beach and offers a more peaceful atmosphere. If you want to stay away from all the tourists but still be close to everything, it’s an ideal place to look for Daytona Beach accommodation.
Daytona Beach Shores is actually a separate city with a population just over 4,000 people. It’s one of the best places to stay in Daytona Beach for a quieter, more authentic visit.
Daytona Beach Shores is located on a thin island that runs across in front of the mainland. In this area, you’ll find lots of accommodation options at every budget point.
And best of all, most of them will be very close to the beach, so you won’t have to go far to have a swim! There are also some great shops and restaurants in this area, so make sure you go exploring on land as well.
The Shores Resort and Spa | Best Luxury Hotel in Daytona Beach Shores
This 4-star hotel in Daytona Beach is a real gem. It’s a short drive from attractions like Ocean Center and the Speedway and has a fitness center, outdoor pool, and massage services. Each room is decorated in an elegant style and offers a minibar and there’s an in-house restaurant and bar on site.
Beach Private Condo | Best Airbnb in Daytona Beach Shores
Located in one of Daytona Beach’s best neighborhoods, this private condo offers everything. It’s right on the beach and you’ll get the entire space all to yourself along with lovely views over the ocean and pool.
Suitable for two guests, this apartment is a reasonable price too, which just adds to its appeal.
Bluegreen Vacations Daytona Seabreeze Ascend Resort Collection | Best Hotel in Daytona Beach Shores
Located in one of Daytona Beach’s best neighborhoods, this hotel is a good choice if you’re on a budget. It has a private beach, an outdoor pool, a spa, massage services, and a Jacuzzi as well as comfortable, fully equipped rooms with private bathrooms.
When you stay there, you can also access all of the hotel’s offered activities such as fishing and horse riding.
Things to See and Do in Daytona Beach Shores
- Spend all day on the beach surfing, swimming, or just enjoying the sun.
- Enjoy nature of a different kind at Dahlia Park or Fornari Park.
- Head down to Sunglow Pier for amazing views.
- Try your hand at mini golf at Congo River Golf.
- Grab a picnic and head down to the beachfront Frank Rendon Park.
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View on Osprey View on REI#2 New Smyrna Beach – Where to Stay in St. Daytona Beach on a Budget
New Smyrna Beach is the best area in Daytona Beach to stay in if you love the beach. It’s a surf town with beaches that are even better than the ones you’ll find in Daytona Beach.
And best of all, New Smyrna Beach is only 20 minutes’ drive from the center of Daytona Beach, so you can head in there to see the car races or just to experience the busier area.
This is a great area when you’re deciding where to stay in Daytona Beach on a budget. It’s not as heavily touristed as some of the beaches in Daytona, so you can enjoy the beach without breaking the budget.
And this area also has its own museums, shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries for you to explore as well, so you won’t get bored even if you need a break from the beach.
The House on Crawford Cottage | Best Airbnb in New Smyrna Beach
Located in one of the best neighborhood in Daytona Beach to stay in if you want to be close to a quiet beach, this house is a historic building with room for 2 guests. The separate apartment is over the garage and offers complete privacy just 80 meters from the beach and close to local shops and restaurants.
Anchor Inn Bed and Breakfast | Best Hotel in New Smyrna Beach
This hotel in Daytona Beach offers homey comfort just moments from the sea. It has free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, tennis courts, BBQ area, and a terrace where you can sit and take in the sun.
The rooms are all themed and have a private bathroom and all the usual amenities.
The Riverview Hotel | Best Luxury Hotel in New Smyrna Beach
This is one of the best places to stay in Daytona Beach. It’s right on the beach and offers a pool, sun deck, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms have modern furnishings and everything you’ll need for a short or long stay.
And best of all, the price is pretty reasonable too!
Things to See and Do in New Smyrna Beach
- If you’re a surfing fanatic, then you need to try the waves on this beach.
- Check out the Smyrna Dunes Park and its views of Ponce Inlet and the lighthouse.
- Spend some time in the Downtown area for great food and shopping.
- Visit Canal Street Historic District for art galleries and more shopping!
- Check out the New Smyrna Museum of History.
- Make sure you don’t miss the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum, which displays memorabilia in a church that dates back to 1899.
#3 Downtown – Best Neighborhood in Daytona Beach for Families
Downtown is the best area in Daytona Beach to stay in if you want to be close to everything. It balances a nice mix of business and culture and is well connected to other parts of the city via buses and taxis.
There are several main streets that are popular with tourists in the Downtown area, including Beach Street and the main street as well.
This are is a great choice if you’re trying to decide where to stay in Daytona Beach with kids. The streets are full of cafes, shops, and restaurants, so you’ll never be short of things to do, see, and eat.
And there are also several interesting attractions in this area that will enthrall every member of the family, including the smallest.
Charming Studio Cottage | Best Airbnb in Downtown
With all the comforts of home and some extras, this is one of the coolest places to stay in Daytona Beach. It’s close to the beach and the city center but in a quiet area where you won’t have any trouble getting a good nights’ sleep.
And it’s a studio apartment, so it’s perfectly set up for a couple or a solo traveler.
Super 8 by Wyndham Daytona Beach | Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown
This 3-star hotel offers an outdoor pool, laundry facilities, a terrace, and room service. The rooms are modern and comfortable and contain everything you’ll need during your stay.
It’s close to the center of the city as well as the beach, which makes it one of the best places to stay in Daytona Beach if you want easy access to everything.
Hawaii Hotel | Best Hotel in Downtown
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Daytona Beach for one night or for a longer visit, this is a good choice. It’s a quick drive from the racetrack and close to the beach and the urban area at the same time.
And it offers comfortable rooms with a range of facilities and free Wi-Fi.
Things to See and Do in Downtown
- Head out for a day of shopping.
- Get back to nature at the Riverfront Park.
- Learn more about the history of the city at the Halifax Historical Museum.
- Expand your horizons at the Museum of Arts and Sciences.
- Wander down Beach Street people watching and ducking into interesting looking stores.
- When you get sick of the city, the beach is close by so make sure you head down there for a day of sun and surf.
- Take the kids into the big chocolate shop on Beach Street!
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Grab an eSIM!#4 Daytona Beach – Best Area to Stay in Daytona Beach for Nightlife
This is an obvious one. If you’re traveling to Daytona Beach, then you obviously want to see on the main beach. So, why not stay there?
This entire city is based around the coast, with miles of beach stretching out in every direction. But if you’re looking for beach activities and easy proximity to the center of town as well as to the racetrack, then you can’t go past the main beach.
When you’re trying to decide where to stay in Daytona Beach for nightlife, there’s no better place than this. Bars, restaurants and clubs surround the beach area and extend back into the city.
It can get a little noisy and busy in this area, so be prepared for some crowds and just focus on the fun in the sun.
Need for Speed Daytona | Best Airbnb in Daytona Beach
Suitable for 4 guests, this clean, bright apartment is close to the beach and to the track for the ultimate in convenience. The facility has a pool and is within walking distance of lots of attractions, which makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Daytona Beach with kids.
Holiday Inn Resort Daytona Beach Oceanfront | Best Hotel in Daytona Beach
With a sauna, free Wi-Fi, a Jacuzzi, in-house bar, and friendly staff, this hotel is a real find. It’s perfect when you’re deciding where to stay in Daytona Beach on a budget.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable and there’s also a restaurant on-site where you can get an evening meal or breakfast before you start your day.
Hyatt Place Daytona Beach | Best Luxury Hotel in Daytona Beach
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Daytona Beach for your first time, you can’t go past this oceanfront hotel. It offers a delicious breakfast every morning as well as modern, comfortable accommodations with a Jacuzzi and outdoor pool.
There are also laundry facilities on site as well as welcoming, helpful staff.
Things to See and Do in Daytona Beach
- Try some beach activities like swimming, surfing, jet skiing, or fishing.
- Go to the racetrack for some adrenalin pumping car action!
- Play a round of golf at the Daytona Beach Golf Club.
- Visit the Daytona Flea and Farmer’s Market for cheap souvenirs and fresh food.
- Take the kids to the Daytona Lagoon water park and go-kart circuit.
- Spend an afternoon or even longer on the Daytona Boardwalk for shopping, eating, and entertainment.
- Go boating or fishing at the Tomoka State Park.
- If you’re visiting in the summer, see a free show at the Daytona Beach Bandshell.
- Getaway from the crowds and go hiking or camping in the Tiger Bay State Forest.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Daytona Beach
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Daytona Beach and where to stay.
What To Pack For Daytona Beach
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Daytona Beach
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is all about the beach and the racetrack. So, when you’re looking for the best places in Daytona Beach to stay, you’ll find that most of them are clustered around the beach areas. And there are lots of beach areas in this city, which is famous for its water activities as well as for the famous car races.
With this Daytona Beach neighborhood guide, you’ll be able to choose the best accommodation for you. And then you can just head out and have a fun, unforgettable time in this activity-packed city!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Florida instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
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- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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